Welcome to Omaha! Here are the Best Running & Biking Trails in Omaha (and close-by trail options). These picks were chosen for strong local reputation, good geographic coverage, standout amenities (loops, lakes, paved paths), and a newcomer-friendly experience like parking and clear access points. Some hours vary by season, so you should double-check the website.
Standing Bear Lake
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/standing-bear-lake/57380/
Address: 6404 N 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68164
Phone: (402) 444-4676
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Great for a steady loop run or casual ride, with easy parking and a calm, neighborhood-lake vibe.
Zorinsky Lake Park
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/zorinsky-lake-park/63952/
Address: 156th and F St, Omaha, NE 68135
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A go-to for long walks, runs, and smooth paved paths, plus big open views and reliable parking.
Zorinsky Lake & Recreation Area Trail
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/zorinsky-lake-%26-recreation-area-trail/57382/
Address: 168th and W Maple Rd to 156th and W Center Rd, Omaha, NE 68154
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A solid west-Omaha option when you want a longer out-and-back without dealing with heavy traffic.
Chalco Hills Recreation Area (Wehrspann Lake)
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/chalco-hills-recreation-area/66941/
Address: 8901 S 154th St, Omaha, NE 68138
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Big lake loop energy, wide open space, and a great “reset” spot when you want fresh air and room to move.
Lawrence Youngman Lake
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/lawrence-youngman-lake/60885/
Address: 192nd and W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68116
Phone: (402) 444-5955
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A quieter far-west option that works well for an easy run or short ride when you want fewer crowds.
Benson Park
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/benson-park/66782/
Address: 7028 Military Ave, Omaha, NE 68104
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A classic neighborhood park for short runs and easy loops, plus quick access to Benson food and coffee after.
Benson Park Pavilion
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/benson-park-pavilion/60846/
Address: 7002 Military Ave, Omaha, NE 68104
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Brief description: Handy meet-up spot inside Benson Park if you are doing a group walk or a casual run-and-chat loop.
Elmwood Park Pavilion
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/elmwood-park-pavilion/60850/
Address: 802 S 60th St, Elmwood Park, Omaha, NE 68106
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Midtown favorite for shaded walks and jogs, and it connects nicely to nearby streets for longer routes.
Elmwood Park Grotto
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/elmwood-park-grotto/60856/
Address: 58th & Happy Hollow Blvd., Elmwood Park, Omaha, NE 68106
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A fun landmark to loop past if you want your run to feel more scenic than “just another lap.”
Hanscom Park Pavilion
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/hanscom-park-pavilion/60852/
Address: 3201 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Great central location for a quick run, especially if you like older neighborhoods and tree-lined streets.
Brown Park Pavilion
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/brown-park-pavilion/60849/
Address: 5708 S 15th St, Omaha, NE 68107
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A solid South Omaha pick for a simple walk or jog, and it is easy to pair with nearby errands.
Miller Park Pavilion
Website: https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/miller-park-pavilion/60854/
Address: 2707 Redick Ave, Omaha, NE 68111
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Great for low-stress loops and family-friendly walks, with wide open areas and straightforward parking.
Fontenelle Park Pavilion
Website: https://parks.cityofomaha.org/fontenelle-park-pavilion/
Address: 4405 Fontenelle Blvd, Omaha, NE 68104
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A convenient North Omaha spot for quick miles, especially if you like parks that feel local, not touristy.
Levi Carter Park Pavilion
Website: https://parks.cityofomaha.org/levi-carter-pavilion/
Address: 809 Carter Lake Shore Dr, Omaha, NE 68110
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Nice option when you want fresh air by the water and an easy place to start and end a walk.
Levi Carter Park Activity & Sports Complex
Website: https://parks.cityofomaha.org/levi-carter-park-activity-sports-complex/
Address: 230 E Carter Blvd, Omaha, NE 68110
Phone: (402) 444-5900
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Good if you like a more active “sports park” feel and want to add easy loops before or after games.
Overland Hills Park
Website: https://www.papillion.org/facilities/facility/details/Overland-Hills-Park-7
Address: 1200 Overland Trail, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A solid neighborhood-park option with open space and easy access for a quick run or casual ride. Helpful if you want something low-stress and close to home in Papillion.
Prairie Queen Recreation Area
Website: https://www.papillion.org/facilities/facility/details/Prairie-Queen-Recreation-Area-8
Address: Near 132nd Street and Highway 370, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A great “do-it-all” spot with a 4-mile trail loop, plus extras like disc golf and outdoor workout equipment. Also connects toward Werner Park for longer outings.
Halleck Park
Website: https://www.papillion.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Halleck-Park-2
Address: Near Washington Street and Lincoln Street (downtown Papillion), Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A bigger park feel with “stretch your legs” space and trails, right near downtown Papillion. Nice choice if you want a run, then a quick stop for coffee or errands nearby.
City Park (Papillion)
Website: https://www.papillion.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/City-Park-18
Address: Lincoln Street and Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Right in the middle of town, this is an easy “park and go” option for a short walk, jog, or easy spin before or after downtown plans.
First Street Plaza (Papillion)
Website: https://www.papillion.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/First-Street-Plaza-39
Address: First Street and Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A small, downtown-friendly stop that works well as a starting point for a quick stroll or as a meetup spot before heading to bigger trails nearby.
Tara Hills Park
Website: https://www.papillion.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Tara-Hills-Park-10
Address: 72nd Street and Cornhusker Road, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A convenient neighborhood park choice when you want a simple, close-to-home loop without dealing with traffic or big crowds.
The Woods (Papillion Nature Preserve)
Website: https://www.papillion.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/The-Woods-40
Address: 96th Street and Lincoln Road (southwest corner), Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A quieter, nature-forward stop that feels like a mini break from the suburbs. Great for a calm walk or an easy jog when you want trees and creek views.
Portal Recreation Area
Website: https://www.papillion.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Portal-Recreation-Area-38
Address: 120th Street and Cornhusker Road, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Includes a lake and hiking and biking trails, so it’s a good pick when you want a change of scenery without going far. Look for parking areas before you start your loop.
Hickory Hill Park / Hickory Estates Park
Website: https://www.papillion.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Hickory-Hill-Park-Hickory-Estates-Park-3
Address: Along Centennial Road from 72nd Street to Beadle Street, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 597-2000
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
Two connected parks with trail access and plenty of open green space. Helpful when you want an easy neighborhood route for a run, stroller walk, or casual ride.
Central Park (La Vista)
Website: https://cityoflavista.org/2414/Central-Park
Address: 8305 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NE 68128
Phone: (402) 331-4343
Hours: Daily 6 am–10 pm; Hours may change; check the website.
A newcomer-friendly option with a trail loop, pond, and boardwalk, so it’s easy to do a quick lap or settle in for longer miles. Good “any day” park when you just want a reliable, pleasant loop.
Gretna Crossing Park
Website: https://www.gretnane.org/facilities/facility/details/Gretna-Crossing-Park-12
Address: 12358 S. 208th Ave, Gretna, NE 68028
Phone: (402) 332-3336
Hours: Hours may change; check the website.
A huge park that works well if you want room to spread out and combine walking or running with other activities. Helpful for families too, since it’s built for big days outside.
Omaha
Main paved multi-use trails (best for running and biking)
- Keystone Trail – Long north/south spine through west Omaha, great for steady miles and commuting style rides.
- West Papio Trail – One of the longest continuous paved options in the west/southwest metro, strong for longer bike sessions.
- Big Papio Trail – A major paved corridor through the metro, useful for longer out-and-backs.
- South Omaha Trail – Key east/west connector, popular with runners and casual cyclists.
- Field Club Trail – A central connector trail that pairs well with South Omaha Trail loops.
- Riverfront Trail (North) – Paved riverfront miles, best for flat, scenic running.
- Riverfront Trail (South) – More paved riverfront options, good for easy bike pace and sunset runs.
- Zorinsky Lake & Recreation Area Trail – Paved loop feel around the lake area, great for after-work runs.
- Standing Bear Lake & Recreation Area Trail – Paved loop option, beginner friendly and easy to navigate.
- Skyline Trail (Elkhorn) – West Omaha option, solid for a quieter paved session.
Omaha
Shorter connectors and neighborhood trails (easy add-ons)
- 144th Street Trail – Great for quick miles or stitching together west Omaha routes.
- Blondo Street Trail – Handy connector for neighborhood-to-trail access.
- Boulevard Trail (also called Happy Hollow Trail) – Shorter urban connector, good for quick runs.
- Turner Boulevard Trail – Neighborhood-friendly paved option for short sessions.
- Barrington Park Connector Trail – Small connector that helps you link routes.
- Brookhaven Park Trail – Short park trail option for quick laps.
- Lamp Park Trail – Another short park trail for easy laps or warmups.
- Heartland of America Park Trails – Downtown park paths that pair well with riverfront miles.
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – Iconic crossing, great for a “bridge run” or adding miles into Council Bluffs routes.
North Omaha
Newer trail corridors and natural-surface riding/running
- North Omaha Trail – Cultural trail corridor with current built segments, strong for neighborhood-based runs.
- Beltline Trail – North Omaha corridor with ongoing expansions and new connections.
- Paxton Boulevard Trail – Longstanding trail that connects into the North Omaha trail network.
- Adams Park Natural Surface Trails – Natural surface, more “trail run” and off-road bike vibes.
- Mountain Bike/Hiking Trails at Tranquility Park – Natural surface option for a change of pace.
Close to Omaha
Popular “bonus” trails (great for weekend variety)
- Flanagan Lake & Recreation Area Trail (Bennington area) – Easy loop-style sessions.
- Walnut Creek Recreation Area Trail (Papillion) – Paved, popular, and beginner friendly.
- Prairie Queen Recreation Area Trail (Papillion) – Another easy loop option with a lake vibe.
- Wabash Trace Nature Trail (Council Bluffs area) – Classic long-distance ride, great for endurance.
- Iowa Riverfront Trail (Council Bluffs) – Flat riverfront miles, pairs well with the bridge.
- Veterans Memorial Trail (Council Bluffs to the Omaha side connection area) – Useful connector for cross-river routes.
Day-trip trail systems
Still close, best for longer rides or trail running)
- Platte River State Park trail system – Great for longer, more “get out of town” trail time.
- Schramm Park State Recreation Area trails – Solid trail running feel, more nature-forward.
- Two Rivers State Recreation Area trails – Open-space miles, good for easy paced rides.
- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park trails – Mix of scenery and mileage options.
- Louisville State Recreation Area trails – Easy to combine with other Platte River area stops.
- DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge trails – Scenic, wildlife-heavy outing for walking and running.
- Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge biking opportunities – Quiet, nature-first option close to Omaha.
How to choose a trail
- Start with parking: Lakes and big parks tend to be easiest for your first visit.
- Pick your surface: If you want smoother biking, look for paved paths and wider trail corridors.
- Plan for wind: Omaha wind is real, lakes can feel extra breezy on open stretches.
- Bring lights in winter: It gets dark early, and shaded parks can feel darker than you expect.
- Look for simple access: choose places with obvious parking and clear start points if you are new in town.
- Go early for calm: mornings are usually quieter for both runners and cyclists.
- Check conditions: after snow or heavy rain, paved loops are usually the safest bet.
- Double-check hours: some parks have seasonal rules, so confirm before you drive across town.
Neighborhood quick picks
- Benson: Benson Park, Benson Park Pavilion
- Midtown: Elmwood Park Pavilion, Hanscom Park Pavilion
- South Omaha: Brown Park Pavilion
- North Omaha: Fontenelle Park Pavilion, Miller Park Pavilion
- West Omaha: Zorinsky Lake Park, Zorinsky Lake & Recreation Area Trail
- Papillion: Prairie Queen Recreation Area, Halleck Park
- La Vista: Central Park
- Gretna: Gretna Crossing Park
If you are still deciding where to go first, start with what is closest to your neighborhood, then branch out as you learn the city. These are verified options for the Best Running & Biking Trails in Omaha area. For more local ideas, you can also browse https://movetoomaha.com/spend-a-day-in-omaha-riverfront-reset-for-one/ and https://movetoomaha.com/best-things-to-do-on-a-rainy-snowy-day/.
